The Mortgage Files

Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.

A hopeful family standing in front of a new home, representing possibilities for homeownership with flexible credit options.

Tips for Buying or Refinancing a Home with a Low Credit Score

By Scott Sheldon / November 26, 2024

If you’re considering buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage but have concerns about your credit score, there’s good news: you still have options. While a higher credit score certainly makes the process easier, lenders today offer flexible solutions for buyers and refinancers with credit scores that are less than perfect. Understanding how credit…

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Chart showing mortgage rates with points and the impact on pricing in high-interest rate environments.

How mortgage rate pricing works when rates decline

By Scott Sheldon / October 9, 2024

When interest rates are high, here’s how mortgage pricing works. Mortgage companies make money in two ways: the origination of the loan and the servicing of the loan, which involves collecting your monthly mortgage payments. When interest rates are higher, say around 7%, mortgage aggregators assess the value of that mortgage. They think, “If rates…

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Modern house with a 'Sold' sign in the front yard, symbolizing successful real estate transactions. In the background, a clipboard with appraisal documents and a magnifying glass emphasizes the importance of accurate property valuations and working with an experienced lender

New Fannie Mae Mortgage Value Rules: What Homebuyers and Refinancers Need to Know

By Scott Sheldon / September 3, 2024

As of October 31, 2024, Fannie Mae has introduced new requirements that will significantly impact how property values are assessed in conventional loans. Whether you’re looking to buy a home or refinance your current mortgage, these changes make it more critical than ever to work with an experienced lender. Here’s what you need to know.…

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accurate mortgage rates

Why the Media is Not Your Friend When It Comes to Mortgage Rates

By Scott Sheldon / August 7, 2024

When it comes to understanding mortgage rates, relying solely on media sources can be misleading. The best barometer for where mortgage rates truly stand is the actual source: FreddieMac.com. This is the entity that buys the loans made and sold by mortgage aggregators. When you see headlines claiming that interest rates are lower or have…

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How earning more income affects your ability to buy a home.

How earning more income affects your ability to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / April 3, 2023

If you’re thinking about purchasing a house, it’s not just your credit score and your down payment that counts, it’s also your income, as your income drives affordability. How much income you generate is going to determine whether you’re able to buy a home. Here are some things to know about income when buying a…

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4 proven ways real estate wealth

4 proven ways real estate will make your wealthier

By Scott Sheldon / January 8, 2023

If you’re thinking about buying a home, good, it’s a sound financial decision and it’s the bedrock by which most Americans in America have created wealth for themselves and their families. Here are the four pillars of owning real estate and how they all work in tandem with each other to make you wealthier as…

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How to determine which mortgage loan program is best based on your credit score

Why do mortgage companies have to pull a credit report?

By Scott Sheldon / August 21, 2022

When you apply to purchase or refinance a home the mortgage company is required to pull a copy of your credit report in order to issue a credit decision. Here are things you need to be aware of as it relates to your credit report and credit score from a financial services provider…   The…

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When are housing prices going to return to normal?

When are housing prices going to return to normal?

By Scott Sheldon / June 29, 2022

For those that have been sitting on the sidelines, watching what’s happening in the market. Are you thinking to yourself “gosh I should have bought a house last year or a few years ago!” Remember, hindsight is 20-20 and you can’t regress you can only go forward. So, when are housing prices going to return…

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